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Oct 11th, 2022
Learn about Bristle Bots
By:
Fluxspace
🎓 Grade Level —
2-4
⌛ Time to Read —
4 min
📥 Includes —
Overview, Guide
Materials
How To?
PDF

Learn about Bristle Bots

AI Summary:

A Bristle Bot is a basic type of robot that utilizes vibrations from a small motor to move via jittering motion. Often used in introductory electronics lessons, Bristle Bots provide hands-on experience with key concepts such as electrical polarity, battery power, and conductivity. The construction process involves attaching a motor and battery to a trimmed toothbrush head using conductive tape, ensuring proper orientation of components to enable movement. This activity not only reinforces foundational electronics principles but also encourages creativity, as students can personalize their bots through decoration. A successfully assembled Bristle Bot demonstrates functional circuitry and mechanical response, offering a practical application of theoretical concepts.

A Bristle Bot is a simple robot that uses rapid motion, from a vibration motor, to cause the robot to jitter. Bristle Bots are a great intro to electronics lesson, because they touch topics of polarity, battery power, and conductivity. Best part, students can get creative with their robots, and have their own unique creation at the end of class.

How to Build a Bristle Bot
  1. Prepare Your Materials
    Cut and gather all materials before you begin.
  2. Attach the Tape
    Stick double-sided tape to the back of the toothbrush head. Peel off the top layer of the tape.
  3. Connect the First Wire
    Stick one of the motor wires onto the tape.
  4. Add the Battery
    Place the battery on top of the wire, with the positive side facing up.
  5. Place the Motor
    Stick the motor next to the battery on the toothbrush.
  6. Connect the Second Wire
    Touch the second motor wire to the positive side of the battery. Be careful—your bot may start moving!
  7. Decorate Your Bristle Bot
    Get creative and make it your own!
    ✔ Make sure the tape fits the toothbrush head.
    ✔ Trim the toothbrush if needed.
    ✔ Double-check battery orientation.

If your bot starts roaming—congrats! You’ve built your own Bristle Bot!

Project Examples

Have a solution to this challenge you want to share? Take a photo or video of your prototype, post it on social media, and don’t forget to tag us @fluxspace_io

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